Police on alert as 'malicious' package sent to Anton Ferdinand

Fans will be searched before QPR's FA Cup clash with Chelsea today after police were called to examine a package sent to Anton Ferdinand.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed last night they were investigating a package which was received by QPR and addressed to Ferdinand.

Widespread reports that the package contained a bullet, or similar, were not confirmed by police or the football club.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said last night: "I can confirm we are investigating an allegation of malicious communication received today at QPR Football Club. Officers from Hammersmith and Fulham are investigating."

The incident was serious enough for QPR and Chelsea to agree for "full searches" of spectators to be carried out before they enter Loftus Road for the lunchtime game.

A joint statement from both clubs last night read: "Ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Loftus Road, we would like to advise supporters from both QPR and Chelsea to arrive early at the stadium.

"Full searches will be carried out ahead of your entry to the ground, so please have your tickets to hand and be ready to be searched.

"Entry to the stadium will be permitted from 10.30am for the midday kick-off.

"We are asking for your full understanding and co-operation."

Ferdinand has reportedly spent £30,000 (€35,700) on personal security ahead of the game, which was expected to see him face John Terry for the first time since the latter was charged with racially abusing the QPR defender, something Terry denies.

Both clubs had issued strongly-worded statements this week warning supporters they faced arrest, ejection and stadium bans were they to engage in racist behaviour during the match.

Ferdinand, meanwhile, had been reportedly agonising over whether to shake Terry's hand today, just four days before the latter is expected to enter a not-guilty plea to his racism charge at Westminster Magistrates Court.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas said it was "extremely important" the pair shook hands, while his QPR counterpart Mark Hughes refused to add to the pressure on Ferdinand.

Villas-Boas said: "When it reaches that moment, the players should set out an example.

"A lot of the situation has been spoken about, but it's good for the players to show that, whatever is happening off the pitch, they are playing against each other."

Hughes said: "Anton could wake up in the morning, think, 'What's the big deal?', and shake hands, or he might feel strongly about it and decide he definitely won't.

"I don't know if he will shake hands - I'm not Anton."

Chelsea have vowed to ban anyone caught racially abusing Ferdinand from Stamford Bridge.